The Rushden Echo and Argus, 5^th May, 1944, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Soldier’s Death by Drowning - Visited His Rushden Wife Last Sunday

  Going back to his station on Sunday evening after 24 hours leave, Pte. Lawrence Cecil French of Rushden, was involved in a mishap on Monday and met his death by drowning.  His wife, who resides at 4, Trafford-road, was visited on Tuesday by the Chaplain of his regiment, who conveyed the sad news, adding that the body had been recovered.

  Pte. French was 23 years of age and came from Herefordshire, where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. D. French, reside at Ross-on-Wye.  He spent seven years in the Army and served in France and elsewhere.  In May, 1941, he married Miss Dulcie M. Dickens, of Rushden, and there is a baby daughter.

  The funeral takes place with military honours at Melton Mowbray this afternoon.